Name: Coconut Cream Lush - Sweet Easy Recipes You’ll Crave Again
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 cup chopped pecans; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping; 2 boxes (3.4 oz each) instant coconut cream pudding mix; 3 cups cold milk; 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut

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When I first made this Coconut Cream Lush, I had zero expectations—just a craving for something creamy, cold, and nostalgic. The kind of dessert that doesn’t ask for a special occasion. Just a spoon, a couch, and a rerun of something from the ’90s. This layered dessert is a smooth operator. Buttery pecan crust on the bottom. Cream cheese and whipped topping in the middle. Coconut pudding and shredded coconut all cozy on top. It’s rich but not heavy, sweet but not cloying. And it gets better with time in the fridge. Like a good relationship, or leftover pizza. It’s the dessert that disappears first at potlucks, so I double it when I can. You can’t go wrong with simple ingredients that do their job well. If you’re the kind of person who licks the spoon clean (guilty), this one’s calling your name.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Coconut Cream Lush Recipe
3) Ingredients for Coconut Cream Lush
4) How to Make Coconut Cream Lush
5) Tips for Making Coconut Cream Lush
6) Making Coconut Cream Lush Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Coconut Cream Lush
8) Try these dessert next!
9) Coconut Cream Lush
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

This no-bake dessert is perfect for hot days when you want sweet comfort without using the oven.
It’s made with simple ingredients like cream cheese, whipped topping, and instant pudding.
Each bite is light, creamy, and carries a nostalgic coconut hug.
This is one of those sweet easy recipes you’ll want to keep in your back pocket for parties.

2) Easy Coconut Cream Lush Recipe

Some recipes feel like a warm hug from your past, and this Coconut Cream Lush is exactly that. The kind of dessert that doesn’t try too hard. No bake. No frills. Just a buttery crust, a cloud of cream cheese, coconut pudding, and a flurry of sweet whipped topping. If you’ve ever needed a dish that speaks fluent comfort, this is it.

It fits into that category of sweet easy recipes that doesn’t ask you to measure perfection. You just stir, layer, chill, and scoop. It’s dependable and kind of magical. The coconut flavor hits just right — not too strong, not too subtle. And when it’s chilled properly? Oh, it melts like a dream.

Let’s be honest. We all need a few easy dessert recipes that make us look like we tried way harder than we actually did. This is mine. And now, it can be yours.

3) Ingredients for Coconut Cream Lush

1 cup all-purpose flour – This is the base of our buttery crust. It brings a soft but sturdy structure.

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted – Adds richness to the crust and that golden, slightly crumbly texture.

1 cup chopped pecans – Gives the base a toasty crunch and nutty warmth. Optional, but lovely.

8 oz cream cheese, softened – Creamy, tangy, and dreamy. It’s the heart of the second layer.

1 cup powdered sugar – Lightly sweetens the cream cheese layer without making it too rich.

1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping – We fold this into the cream cheese and reserve some for the top. Soft, sweet, and no fuss.

2 boxes (3.4 oz each) instant coconut cream pudding mix – This brings all the coconut flavor to the party.

3 cups cold milk – Needed to set the pudding to the right consistency. Use whole milk if possible.

1 cup shredded sweetened coconut – Toasted or not, it adds the tropical vibes and texture that make this dessert pop.

4) How to Make Coconut Cream Lush

Step 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Mix flour, melted butter, and pecans. Press it into a 9×13 baking dish. This is your golden crust foundation.

Step 2. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until lightly browned. Let it cool completely before adding the next layer or it’ll melt everything into a soupy mess.

Step 3. Whip cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth. Fold in half the whipped topping. Spread it carefully over the cooled crust.

Step 4. Mix pudding and milk until thick. Let it sit for a minute or two so it firms up a little more, then spread it evenly over the cream cheese layer.

Step 5. Top everything with the rest of the whipped topping. It’s soft, it’s sweet, it’s the dessert’s crown.

Step 6. Sprinkle with shredded coconut. Chill for at least 2 hours. Overnight is even better if you can wait that long.

Step 7. Cut into squares. Serve cold. Watch it disappear faster than you expected.

5) Tips for Making Coconut Cream Lush

Don’t rush the chill time. I get it — it looks ready, but letting it sit for a few hours really firms up the layers and lets the flavors blend. That patience pays off in texture and taste.

Toast the coconut before sprinkling if you want a little extra nuttiness and golden color. Just toss it in a dry skillet over medium heat and stir often.

If you’re out of coconut pudding, vanilla works too. Add a touch of coconut extract if you’ve got it. This dessert plays nice with substitutions and still lands in the realm of sweet easy recipes without breaking a sweat.

6) Making Coconut Cream Lush Ahead of Time

This dessert is even better the next day. No kidding. The flavors settle in, and the layers hold firm, making it ideal for prepping a night ahead.

Make the whole thing, cover it tightly, and pop it in the fridge. Just don’t add extra coconut until you’re close to serving. It stays crisp and pretty that way.

Hosting a get-together? Double the recipe and use two pans. One might not be enough — especially when folks go back for “just one more square.”

7) Storing Leftover Coconut Cream Lush

Got leftovers? Lucky you. Store any remaining squares in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Don’t freeze it. The texture turns weird when thawed — the whipped topping doesn’t bounce back, and the pudding layer can separate.

If it dries a bit around the edges, no worries. A fresh spoonful of whipped topping brings it right back to life.

8) Try these dessert next!

9) Coconut Cream Lush